Luke 1:38
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Gabriel’s visit to Mary for the Annunciation is one of my favorite Bible stories. (Luke 1:26-38) As a mother, I can relate to receiving news of an upcoming pregnancy with excitement as well as trepidation.
Photo credit:J Waterhouse
Mary is frightened when Gabriel appears to her – I can’t say that I blame her! She is troubled by his greeting, and wonders what in the world he could mean.
After he explains God’s plan to her, Mary’s response, her fiat, is simple. Despite her fears, she’s ready – ready to listen, and ready to follow God’s will without hesitation.
What is God asking of you? How will you say yes?
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Mary’s response to the angel inspires and encourages me to be fearless and obey God without doubting anything because, after all, he holds the past, present, and the future. What an awesome God we serve!
You’re exactly right – I struggle with thinking I know what’s best, and following God’s plan.
Thank you for stopping by today!
I think this post has inspired me to link-up today with my own blog post on this feast day. I just realized that people get this and immaculate conception backwards!! I’m gonna attempt to explain it in a post I think 🙂
You go, girl! The link up will be open all week! 😉
okay good it may be a few days before I get it written 🙂
I think this is probably the most important question we ask ourselves as Christians. . . and often the hardest to answer.
I know that both of us struggle with it. Part of it is because we’re so used to being in control. Sigh.
Those two questions are so simple and yet so profound and challenging!
classic case of ‘a little says a lot!’ Cinhosa gives some marvelous advice below. I’m bookmarking his post!
I think God asks us to do things each day. This is why a habit of daily prayer (talking to God) and reading scripture (listening to his living Word – i.e., God’s response) is so important.
Some great comments and suggestions for discernment in response to the question: “How do you discern God’s will for your life?” last month – http://cinhosa.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/how-do-you-discern-gods-will-for-your-life/#comments
Peace be with everyone this Sunday!
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You’re exactly right – and it’s something I need to get in a better habit of doing. I’m heading over to look at that post.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lovely picture – looks like turn of the 20th century. I like the colors. Paintings, especially sacred art, really draw me in to meditation.
Sacred art is a wonderful tool! I’m especially drawn to iconography as well.
Thanks for stopping by today!
Such an important question: what would You have me do, Father?
So true.
Mary’s got guts! I’m not so sure I’d be as willing to take on that task had I been an unwed young woman in her day.
I think it is so important to ask God what He wants us to do. So often, I have assumed and then, ended up doing something that was not part of His plan.
Yes, this is a definite favorite here also. Sometimes I get discouraged by Mary’s sweet willingness though. And I make her prayer mine.
Mary’s response was perfect. Of course God knew it would be. That’s why she was chosen. We can learn so much from Mary.
Blessings,
Charlotte
I really admire Mary for her quick answer and willingness to surrender to God’s will. Complete surrender is something I struggle with but am working on diligently—now!